IPL 2018: "Teams rely on data a lot in T20," says Virender Sehwag

Sehwag also spoke about Chris Gayle and his importance.

Virender Sehwag is the mentor of KXIP | IANS

A new season of Indian Premier League (IPL) means a new start for many teams who are looking for a new start as well.

IPL 2018 auction ensured that all the teams refilled their tank with talented players and make the tournament more exciting. Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) was one of those teams who needed to have a good auction to heal their wounds of previous IPL editions. 

KXIP mentor, Virender Sehwag is happy with their buys in the mega auction. “It’s a much stronger team and this time we are loaded with more hard hitters.”

Sehwag thinks IPL has transformed a lot. T20 format is not new anymore and all franchises have got effective thinking tank behind them. “The dynamics of T20 has changed completely since IPL started. Team work and rely a lot on data. For example the conditions on offer, the average scores at different grounds.

“Earlier, teams used to rely on strengths and weaknesses of opposition teams, which isn’t the case anymore. You can actually predict how and when a particular batsman or bowler will perform, that’s how strongly teams rely on data these days,” said the former India opener.

Sehwag talked about how few bowlers are more effective in IPL just because they trust their ability. “There are bowlers who can bowl well between overs 7 to 14 but aren’t good when they bowl during power-play or death. On the other hand, there are bowlers who are exceptionally good in power-plays and death because those particular bowlers trust their ability there.”

Chris Gayle will play for KXIP | Getty

Chris Gayle had gone unsold in the first round of IPL 2018 auction. KXIP bid for him later and got him for his base price of Rs 2 cr. Sehwag thinks Gayle is a good buy considering his legacy in the shorter format. 

“We first wanted to pick the players who we had shortlisted and then if we had money we go for others and that was the case with Gayle. Not to forget, Gayle is also a very marketable product.”

“Also, Gayle is a legend of T20 cricket and with his experience brings a lot to the table. Not only he is an asset to the team but can also be a guide to the likes of Mayank Agarwal and many other young batsmen,” explained Sehwag.

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 14 Mar, 2018

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